Hong Kong In Space Crisis: Where To Put The Dead?

Millions of people are surviving in only 30 square miles, making Hong Kong the most dense population center in the world. And if the living space is an issue, it is also an issue for the dead.

These are the graves covering a hillside.

The dead in Hong Kong cannot rest in peace. Demand for the scarce land is increasing every day.

Earlier in the 60s, when people faced similar issues, the government encouraged cremation over traditional burials. Cremation has increased to 90% in the last 50 years. People burn valuables, money, etc. as offering after praying over the dead bodies of their loved ones (As shown in the image below).

Columbaria (depositories of the dead’s ashes) are running out of room. This is making people opt for spreading ashes in public parks and the seaside.

Mong Kok is one of the most crowded districts in Hong Kong.

People of Hong Kong have the custom of visiting their ancestors on special days with offerings and gifts.

This is a public columbarium in Hong Kong.

They visit their ancestral burial sites on holidays along with other family members.

This is Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, a Hong Kong temple deemed by the government for violating planning and land-use regulations. This is also a tourist attraction which has more that 120 columbariums.

As space for dead is running out, private and public sector are both providing solutions for families to pay their respects.

A memorial website has been set up by the government for families to leave virtual offerings for their loved ones.

A building in Hong Kong showing the space crises.

Another method is to turn the remains of loved ones into gemstones that families can keep at home or even wear as jewelry. This is performed in a laboratory through intense heat.